Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn review

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a serviceable Soulslike game with some notable features but lacks originality in an overcrowded genre.

: Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, developed by A44 Games and published by Kepler Interactive, is a Soulslike game that falls short of standing out. Release date is July 18, 2024, and priced at $40/£33.50. It introduces unique elements like air dashes and a reputation system but suffers from a lackluster story and mundane characters.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, created by A44 Games and published by Kepler Interactive, is a Soulslike game released on July 18, 2024, for $40/£33.50. It features Nor, an axe-wielding warrior, in a war against gods and the living dead, with gameplay involving familiar elements like parrying and dodging common in such games. The game introduces new mechanics such as air dashes, a smart reputation system, and the ability to use firearms with a refreshing combat twist.

Despite these innovations, the game struggles with its storytelling and character development. The narrative, centered around soldiers in Napoleonic cosplay battling gods, fails to engage, and the voice acting is inconsistently delivered. Even with options for easier gameplay, the story's lack of depth and rushed arcs for main characters like Nor and Enki leave much to be desired.

The environmental design also suffers from a lack of memorability, despite the potential of its pretty yet generic fantasy settings. Players liberate areas from the dead, causing magical transformations, but these activities are reminiscent of other games and don't feel original. Some side quests and interactions between Nor and her god companion Enki provide bright spots, but overall, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn struggles to carve out a space in a crowded genre.